Habitat
Vol. 36 No. 2 (2025): August

Developing Edu-Ecotourism as an Innovative Strategy for Community Empowerment in Social Forestry Program: Lessons from Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Wiyono, Wiyono (Unknown)
Subejo, Subejo (Unknown)
Sulastri, Endang (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Indonesian government is committed to implementing a social forestry program to ensure forest sustainability and improve community welfare. Community groups living near forest are granted permission to utilize forest resources, including timber, non-timber products, and environmental services such as ecotourism. This study aims to identify potential supporting resources and formulate strategies for developing edu-ecotourism within social forestry group in Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The study employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation studies. This research was carried out at Sedyo Lestari Community Forest Farmer Group (SL-CFFG). The data were analyzed using the SWOT analysis model. The findings indicate that SL-CFFG has eight potential packages of learning materials to support edu-ecotourism development. These learning packages are derived from the group’s extensive experience in implementing social forestry programs under the community forestry scheme for over 20 years. These materials include: 1) Story telling of community forest management; 2) Forest land planning techniques; 3) Terracing techniques on forest land; 4) Teak replanting using a coppice system; 5) Agroforestry techniques; 6) Silvopasture techniques; 7) Nursery techniques; 8) Organic fertilizer production. Based on the SWOT analysis, four strategies for developing edu-ectourism in SL-CFFG were formulated: 1) Developing edu-ecotourism based on extensive experience, resources, and local wisdom in community forest management; 2) Establishing collaborations with multiple stakeholders to enhance human resource capacity, improve supporting facilities, and secure business capital; 3) Innovating sustainable edu-ecotourism management to adapt to changes in government policies and tourist behavior; 4) Building collaborative partnerships with tourism business and leveraging social media to enhance marketing and promotion networks.

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